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Hancock Shaker Village
Hancock Shaker Village
Shaker Village
view website1843 W. Housatonic St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
800-817-1137
413-443-0188
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
History Museum
Historical Landmark
Hancock Shaker Village Description
If not for the cars buzzing by on Route 20, you'd think you'd stepped into a completely different era. Ye Olde Village has vintage buildings (some built here, others carted in) showing how the Shakers used to sleep (kids will really appreciate their comfortable bed after seeing the potato-sack mattresses), eat ("Take as much as you want but leave all you take"), and do other things (the privy was for four at a time). Workshops show off the impressive technical prowess of the Shakers, folks who neither married nor had children. As one adept teen noted, "Guess they had to keep busy somehow."
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: A visit to the barn is a must. Kids will see free-running roosters, plus the usual calves, lambs, ducks, turkeys, and pigs. Even better, all of the animals are bred for show, so there are no uncomfortable explanations about their future.
School-Age Kids: The Discovery Center is also a must-see. Let them try on Shaker clothes, which offer considerably more coverage than your average modern outfit.
Pre-Teens & Teens: With a little prodding, this group will have a great time. Let them inspect and try out the working looms, complicated gizmos that take fifteen hours just to set up.
Planning Notes
- Walking shoes. Staircases are ultra steep and vintage floors are a little worn. Make sure to watch your step.
- Plan accordingly. A visit here isn't complete without a mechanical demonstration such as those in the machine shop. Demonstrations are offered only at specific times daily. Heed the schedule so you don't miss out.
- Eat. Food in the on-site cafe is homemade, exceptionally tasty, and includes the all-important PB&J.
Just the Facts
Hours: Mid-April through Memorial Day: Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Memorial Day through mid-October: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Late October through mid-April: Guided tours by appointment only.
Fees: $10-$20
Recommended Time: Half day
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